Vince Staples Test Drives Some of Spring’s Best Trends

Plus he talks personal style, the inspiration behind his Life Aquatic Tour, and why trying to look cool isn’t cool.

Vince Staples wants you to know that he doesn't try too hard. On the other hand, he believes that success and creativity are all about work ethic and, well, trying really hard. It might sound like a contradiction, but it's this delicately—if nonchalantly—maintained balance that defines the young hip-hop star's career. Following the breakout success of his debut album, Summertime ’06, Staples has set off on an international tour (through August) themed around Wes Anderson's 2004 film The Life Aquatic. “I don't know, I just woke up one day and said we're going to do it,” he says.

Of course, it's not quite that off-the-cuff. For Staples, precision—be it on an album or on a tour—is paramount. “There's a time and a place for everything,” he says. He was inspired by Anderson's signature use of distinctive color palettes, his unique visual M.O. “That's how a show should be done.” (Meanwhile, is Anderson in on the tribute? Nope. “I'm sure we'll get a cease and desist sooner or later,” Staples says.)

When it comes to his personal style, we're back to studied indifference. While Staples references skate style, Japanese culture, and Pharrell as early inspirations, he stresses the uncoolness of thinking or caring too much about one's look. “I know it's important,” he says, “but especially in this business, people sort of overdo it. If anything, I try to underdo it.” Here, he pulls off some of our favorite spring trends with his effortless nonchalance: Vertical stripes, mechanic suits, round shades, leather shirts, wide pants, and, oh yeah, vibrant cardigans.